Do You Know Your History?

Can you name this U.S. President and why he's important? Most of the nation's 4th graders could not.

Do You Know Your History?

The majority of students today don’t have a solid grasp on U.S. history.

From a CNN article yesterday:

"The Nation's Report Card: U.S. History 2010," the tests results report by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, showed 20% of fourth graders, 17% of eighth graders and 12% of 12th graders showed "solid academic performance" on the tests.

Though the stats may not shock many, they are cause for some serious concern when thinking about what a role history plays in many current issues – wars, social disparities, budget downturns, etc.

As Congress continues to debate our current economic catastrophes, it couldn’t hurt to take a moment to look at what we’re teaching our kids, and what influences we’re projecting for their growth as knowledgeable social participants, ready to improve our communities.

Need more proof? Check out this video from CBS last month:

Former HHS Secretary Says Diversity Is Key to Better Health

Former HHS Secretary Says Diversity

Is Key to Better Health

 

 

Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, the former US Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1989-1993 blames the lack of racial and ethnic diversity among the nation's health professionals for the growing gap in health disparities between whites and minorities.

"Having a more racially and ethnically diverse health professions workforce will enhance communication between health professionals and our nation's population," Dr. Sullivan said. "Improved communication between health professionals and the individuals they serve will foster trust and understanding that will influence health outcomes. If we are successful in increasing diversity, this will result in improved health status in the long run among our nation's minorities."

Speaking at the recent National Medical Association Convention held in Washington, DC, July 23-27, the president emeritus of the Morehouse School of Medicine, offered several strategies for promoting diversity in the health care professions from strengthening K-12 education in math and science to increasing financial aid to minority students interested in health care.

For his complete text, read Increase in minority health professionals to reduce disparities.

Reexamining Gentrification

Reexamining Gentrification

During his town hall last week, an audience member questioned President Obama’s views on gentrification and its role in our communities. Among other things, Obama said called it a most likely “welcome problem,” for many suffering neighborhoods in this economy.

But why would gentrification be viewed as a problem in the first place? Because society misunderstands it. The general notion these days is that a gentrification occurs when whites begin to increasingly occupy traditionally urban, Black neighborhoods.

But it’s really about “when a middle-class person moves into a poor neighborhood,” says Charles Wilson, president of the Historic Anacostia Block Association. In an article today by The Washington Post, Wilson says he realized after reading the definition of gentrification that as a Black man he is still “a gentrifier.”

The article highlights an important aspect of Black culture that is too often lacking in present economic and political discussions – by taking pride in our communities, we have the power to improve our surroundings.

While the notion of gentrification “makes so many people uncomfortable,” does it really have to? Should the African American community begin to claim the g-word as its own?



Medicare Cuts Don’t Hurt Beneficiaries . . . So Far

Medicare Cuts Don’t Hurt Beneficiaries . . . So Far

Despite the clamor and protest that accompanies even the slightest suggestion to reduce Medicare costs, especially among Medicare recipients and their advocates, the reality is cuts in the program have primarily targeted the providers.

According to Joe Antos, a health economist with the American Enterprise Institute, despite substantial cuts to Medicare over the years, "We've hardly ever directly touched beneficiaries."

In fact, says Antos, who spent years examining the impact of the cuts for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), "the whole political history of (cutting) Medicare has been focused not on beneficiaries, it's been focused on health care providers," such as doctors, hospitals and nursing homes.  This year CBO estimates that spending levels for Medicare could reach $563 billion.

In fact, it can be argued that by improving the way Medicare services are delivered, our elderly consumers are the main beneficiaries.  Others argue that the historical approach to trimming Medicare is “win-win.” Hmmm—could this strategy be a model for “thoughtful” and efficient budget cutting? 

Back to School: Are you on Facebook?

Back to School: Are you on Facebook?

Parents may want to consider adding cell phones to the back-to-school list, and not just to keep tabs on their kids.

According to a USA Today article today, online and social media access are becoming increasingly prevalent and valued learning tools in the classroom, with some teachers asking students to use their mobile devices to access online polls and information, and adapting Facebook pages to serve as classroom sharing spaces.  

‘"Being literate in 2011 means being digitally literate," says Chris Lehmann, principal of Science Leadership Academy, a public high school in Philadelphia that has been using social media since it opened in 2006.’

Some critics say opening the Web to students is too risky given the presence of explicit content that filters don’t always catch, but proponents of the non-traditional learning style say it’s a mistake to ignore the Internet as an educational tool to teach students responsible online behavior.

Tweeting and Streaming Obama's Townhall

Tweeting and Streaming Obama's Townhall

McKinney & Associates is proud to say that one of our highly esteemed colleagues, Shannon R. Mouton, was invited to live-tweet the President's town hall from the University of Maryland this morning.

According to the White House website, President Obama will address "the on-going efforts to find a balanced approach to deficit reduction."

Follow Shannon's tweets. Follow the conversation.

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

FAA 'Staycay'

FAA 'Staycay'

The government funding stalemate is down to the wire for the Federal Aviation Administration. The Washington Post and Politico both reported this week that the group faces a partial shutdown if a solution isn’t reached tomorrow. That would mean about 4,000 furloughed workers beginning Saturday – an unwelcome and possibly unpaid ‘staycation’ during what former FAA administrator Marion C. Blakey called “the busiest travel time of the year.”

The FAA’s predicament comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Travel Association announced that more than one in five of private-sector jobs added in June came from the travel industry. That on the heels of the organization’s finding that relaxing visa laws to attract more foreign travelers would significantly boost our economy. In the meantime, a shutdown could mean more travelers opting to keep the furloughed workers company during their staycays.

Republicans Follow Obama’s Twitter Steps

Republicans Follow Obama’s Twitter Steps

The first official republican debate held via Twitter is underway.  Candidates – including Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich – are poised to answer tough questions in 140 characters or less.

The debate started a little after 3pm, with Sarah Elizabeth “S.E.” Cupp of the Glenn Beck show serving as moderator. Here’s a quick look at the opening statements:

IOM: Protecting Women and Wallets?

IOM: Protecting Women and Wallets?

NPR reported that the Institute of Medicine delivered a potentially game-changing announcement today: “it recommends that the federal government consider putting "the full range of Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods" on the list of services for women that would be covered by insurers without a copay.”

According to the article, free contraceptives could serve for positive change surrounding the number of unwanted pregnancies in our country (currently about 50 percent), including financial strains on families and infant and mother health between pregnancies.

Detractors argue that government-mandated birth control would violate the religious rights of those whose beliefs forbid contraceptives, and those who hold that some forms of contraceptives act as precursors to abortion.

Click here to read and listen to the full story.

An Insight Into Twitter's Mastermind

An Insight Into Twitter's Mastermind

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone was recently on NPR's weekly program, "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" a weekly hour-long quiz program where you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up. Could they have picked a more perfect guest then the co-founder of the micro-blogging website where the line between what's fact, fiction, fantasy, and opinion are unclearly blurred? The episode with Biz is mostly humorous, as are most Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! programs, but there were also some really interesting insights into the world of Twitter, Silicon Valley, and those who run our social-networking worlds. Take a listen and let us know what you think about Twitter's head-honcho. Does he come across as a young, socially savvy, genius? Or does he seem as deep as about 140 characters? 

“Companies propose curbing junk food ads for kids?”

“Companies propose curbing junk food ads for kids?”

The nation’s largest food companies say they will cut back on advertising unhealthy foods to children. The move by General Mills, Kellogg and other industry giants comes as the federal government released stricter standards for marketing junk food to children.

An online search did not produce a copy of the coalition’s new marketing standards. That’s not good. Without access to the standards, there’s no way to measure change and hold the food marketers accountable.

Childhood obesity in America has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Junk food consumption is linked to the alarming increase. Let’s do more than hope that the companies are on the up and up. Let’s demand to see their new marketing standards.

“Plan the Work, Work the Plan”

“Plan the Work, Work the Plan”

As communications professionals, we aren’t strangers to deadline, intensive projects requiring long hours and several touch base meetings. Our team recently completed a multiple-component project requiring “all hands on deck.” The very nature of the project directed we develop a thorough plan and “punch list” of action items/deliverables needed from each person to ensure a successful project completion. With any project, there is a process, and steps within we commonly refer to as “pre-production, production and post-production.” Every element within these three phases carries the plan to the end.  A glitch in any part of this may derail or delay your project. Once the project is completed, a post-production “debrief” among your team is recommended. It allows for sharing what went well in each process and what should have been handled better. A debrief can also allow team members to safely provide constructive criticism with each other as a means for personal and professional development, creating a stronger team in the end. As they say, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The reverse can occur when you thoroughly “plan the work and work the plan.”

Bridging Health Equity Gaps Through Mentorship

Bridging Health Equity Gaps Through Mentorship

In the community of Lakeland, Fla., professionals in minority communities are seeing opportunities to close gaps for underserved students. One such professional is Dr. Alexander Mbakwem who wants to see more people who look like him in the medical profession.

To help make that happen, he is learning how to be a mentor to Polk County students. "The kids need to be exposed to people who are not athletes and singers," Mbakwem said. "There are not enough role models to say, ‘Go to school and don't commit crimes.' They need to see people who are doing well so they can say if he can do it, then I can do it."

With health care inequities hitting underrepresented and troubled communities across the country, this initiative develops healthy people and communities in myriad ways.

Read more in The Ledger’s “Black Professionals Seek to Mentor Minority Students”

Hot Weather Health Tips

Hot Weather Health Tips

Staying cool in hot weather can be tough. When the temperature rises and the heat index soars, take these precautions for the sake of your health:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library; even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check regularly on infants and young children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental illness; and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. If you must exercise outdoors, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses.

Sources: Center for Diseas Control and Prevention

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/51387/



No Books in this Nook

No Books in this Nook

Forgive us in advance for what seems an oxymoron, but: Isn’t a library called a ‘library’ because it houses books? Otherwise, why is it a ‘library’ at all? In today’s technology age, kids and adults are quickly moving from the tangible feel and smell of ink on pages, to the Kindle and other tools for electronic reading. Your favorite books and magazines can now be read and stored on a flat, thin screen no bigger than a 5x7 notebook. University libraries across the country are setting the trend of ‘bookless’ libraries, where computers instead of books fill the room. While this is good for conserving space and trees, there’s something gratifying when entering a room with books shelved floor to ceiling; pages that carry the imprints of people before us hoping to be inspired by the written word. 

 

Read more in Time Magazine, “Is a Bookless Library Still a Library?”



For Better Health Care, Gold Card Only (If You Have One)

For Better Health Care, Gold Card Only (If You Have One)

Most European countries view the United States' health care system as crazy. Where most Europeans have access to health care, Americans (supposedly we're living in the land of plenty), are either paying high health care rates or forgoing treatment and medications due to their inability to afford proper care. To widen the gap between "have" and have nots," those who can afford health care are receiving extra attention from their doctors by paying for "concierge" health care. By paying a higher membership fee, affluent patients can get more of their doctors' time during the week or weekends, with more attention to their needs. Some doctors have expressed concerns that this practice could lead to "higher paying clients receiving better care." When did having your health care needs met by your physician become a VIP service? Don't we all deserve this without paying for VIP treatment, or whipping out the gold card?

To learn more, view "Patients Pay Doctors More for VIP Treatment" on KMBC.com (Kansas City, Mo.)



New Report Shows America Getting Fatter

New Report Shows America Getting Fatter

Continuing from yesterday's blog post on the efforts to combat childhood obesity, looks like the adults are not leading by example. According to a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation obesity rates among adults now exceed 25 percent in more than two-thirds of the states. Not a single state had a decline in weight and rates actually climbed in 16 states. It was the Southern states who seem to be dragging down the rest of the country, with Mississippi taking the record again for being the fattest state in the nation. Colorado came out on top as the fittest, and as the only state with an obesity rate under 20 percent.

With all the attention being paid these days to fighting obesity, getting fit, working out, eating healthy, to see the country continue to slide in the wrong direction is extremely disheartening. One has to wonder what it will take to snap the country from it's addiction to fatty foods.

To read more on this report visit: http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/f-is-for-americans-getting-fatter/

Community Groups Tackle Childhood Obesity

Community Groups Tackle Childhood Obesity

Saving the nation’s children from the ravages associated with childhood obesity is the mission of the Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) coalitions, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the YMCA. One hundred ninety PHCs are operating throughout the United States and have the potential to impact up to 34 million Americans. These grassroots leaders are working on behalf of children and families by increasing access to physical activity, healthy food and food choices.  Additionally, these community activists are working to change policies and laws that hinder their progress toward achieving those goals.  In Marion County, Ohio, where over 30 percent of the youth are overweight, the PHC is also adding a “multi-platform network that provides continuing and consistent education on healthy eating and physical activity” and working collaboratively with other community-based organizations to ensure Marion is a healthy community for all its residents.

For more on the Marion, Ohio PHC, read: http://www.marionstar.com/article/20110703/OPINION/107030328

Breastfeeding cop forced to take unpaid leave

“Breastfeeding cop forced to take unpaid leave”

A breastfeeding DC police officer has been forced to take leave without pay after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) refused to allow her to work at a desk job. The department’s chief of police, a woman and mother, upheld MPD’s new policy to deny reasonable options for breastfeeding moms.

The Draconian decision by MPD is mind-boggling. There is no sound justification for rejecting the mother’s right to express her milk for nurturing her baby. MPD’s own physician backed the officer’s request. After all, going back on the street would require the mom to wear a bullet-proof vest. The heavy protective gear would cause major discomfort and potentially compromise the mother’s lactation. 

For MPD’s information, breastfeeding is proven to be beneficial to babies, moms and employers. The Le Leche League, which promotes a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother, lists the following benefits:

 

Benefits for Baby

·         Antibodies in breast milk protect the baby from illness.

·         Breastfeeding promotes appropriate jaw, teeth and speech development as well as overall facial development.

 

Benefits for Mother

·         Breastfeeding is linked to reduced rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

·         A breastfeeding mother can feed her baby even during stressful times such as when normal supplies of food and water are not available.

·         Breastfeeding saves time for mothers.

 

Benefits for Employers

·         Breastfed babies are healthier babies; thus, mothers who are employed outside the home are likely to miss fewer days of work.

What do you think about breastfeeding on the job? Send us your comments.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/07/breast-feeding-dc-cop-forced-take-leave-without-pay?page=0%2C0%2C0%2C1

http://www.llli.org/faq/advantagetoddler.html